Champions for Children

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Champions for Children

• A Guide for Parents of
• Youth Soccer Players U6-U12

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• What is true of all soccer superstars I know is
  that these were their dreams, not their parents
  dreams.
• In my experience, the best soccer parents more
  or less let their children do their own thing.
• - Anson Dorrance

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The Players

• Characteristics of players U6-U12

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Why do children play the game of soccer in the
first place?

• To learn new skills, have fun, learn sporting
  behavior, be with friends, and to simply run,
  jump and play.

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COMMON MOTIVATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR PLAYERS
U7-U11 The English Football Association (FA)
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7-9 Year Olds

• Try things on their own
• Prefer developing and mastering things in their
  own way
• Easily bored
• No discipline for repetitive tasks
• Will move on to something else if bored or
  frustrated
• Tire quickly
• Easily distracted
• Cannot recognize the difference between effort
  and ability

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9-11 Year Olds

• Form friendships
• Measure themselves with their peers
• Like playing with similar people
• Competitive spirit increases
• Compete with peers
• Concerned with being better
• Begin to turn more and more to the coach for help
• Realize the coach can help
• Coach should match players in groups with similar
  abilities

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COMMON PLAYER CHARACTERISTICS U6-U12
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U-6 Characteristics

• Differences between boys and girls are minimal
• Wide variety of coordination from player to
  player
• Love to run and jump
• Very little comprehension of time, space
  relations, and boundaries
• Will naturally swarm around the ball in a human
  beehive
• Self-centered and want to keep the ball to
  themselves (me, my, mine)
• Attention span is very short
• No sense of pace (go flat out)
• Very simple and easily understood rules are
  required
• Coach must keep things FUN and brief

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U-8 Characteristics

• Immature physical abilities remain obvious
• Limited ability to handle more than one chore at
  a time
• Concepts of time and spatial relationships are
  only starting to develop
• Great yearning for approval from authority
  figures (parents, teachers, coaches, etc.)
• Feelings are very easily bruised
• Physical coordination begins developing (riding a
  bike)
• Still love running, jumping, climbing, and
  rolling
• Team identity develops in basic ways (wearing
  jersey to bed or even days at a time)
• Still lack sense of pace (go flat out)

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U-10 Characteristics

• The Golden Age of Learning
• Vital time in their lives
• Boys and girls begin to develop separately
• Grouping of players by physical maturity/ability
  level becomes more of a consideration
• Athletically superior players will dominate play
• Ability to concentrate increases and coordination
  emerges
• Competitiveness emerges
• Peer pressure begins to become a factor (not be
  embarrassed in front of friends)
• Self-responsibility can be introduced (bringing a
  ball, water, etc.)
• Players must start making decisions on their own

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U-12 Characteristics

• Puberty brings psychological and physical changes
• Popularity correlates to self-esteem
• Begin to recognize the opposite sex
• Differences in skill level, size, speed, and
  strength are significant
• Players must begin to think abstractly/tactically
  on the field (Socratic Method of Teaching)

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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NOVICE PLAYERS IN
TRAINING/ MATCHES

• Uncoordinated
• Break down under pressure
• Narrow focus
• Reliant on conscious decisions
• No body control
• Jerky/jarring appearance

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GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF EXPERT PLAYERS IN
TRAINING/MATCHES

• Coordinated
• Perform under pressure
• Broad focus on the game
• Instinctive play
• Smooth/fluid appearance
• Use of the appropriate foot/ part of foot
• Control of weight and direction of pass
• Good timing of the pass
• Excellent decision-making (tactical ability)

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Sample Player Expectations for Soccer

• Bring all equipment (inflated soccer ball, water,
  warm-up, etc.).
• Flip the switch at training sessions and games
  (focus and concentrate on soccer).
• Have a positive attitude and be willing try new
  things.
• Work hard and have fun.
• Do your soccer homework (practice skills on off
  days).
• Keep a soccer journal (optional).

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A Sample Club/Team Philosophy

• A competitive environment at the youth level
  encourages decisions from player and coach alike
  that focus on player development rather than
  winning (favoring ball skill and creativity as
  the means to find success within the rules and
  spirit of the game). We will not have a win at
  all costs mentality. Our primary concerns are
  the development, welfare, enjoyment and safety of
  our players.

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The Parents

• What we can do to guide our children toward
  enjoyment in the game

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Sample Parent Expectations

• Make every effort to arrive on time for all
  events (early is always better).
• Be positive and supportive of your athlete,
  teammates, coaches and parents (the soccer
  family).
• Do not measure your athletes development against
  others on the team. All athletes will develop
  in different ways some will develop quicker than
  others.
• Show respect for all involved in the game of
  soccer including players, coaches, opponents,
  opposing fans and especially referees.
• Do not confuse your athlete by trying to coach
  them on or off the field.
• During games, limit comments to encouraging all
  players on the field.

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Parent Expectations

• In order to properly reach developmental goals,
  there must be a serious level of commitment from
  parents.
• Please approach the coach after training sessions
  if you would like to speak about your athlete or
  anything having to do with the team or club.

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Before the match/training

• Tell your child three things prior to the match
  or training session Play Hard Have Fun I
  Love You.
• Make a few positive support comments such as I
  cant wait to watch your game today, or Have
  some fun out there!
• Allow the child to do their own thing before
  the match or training during the ride (within
  reason). Examples listening to music, playing
  videogames, initiating conversations with others,
  simply being quiet and focused.
• Promote and support proper nutrition before and
  after athletic contests. This is something you
  CAN control!

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Pre-Match/Training Nutrition

• Fueling the Young Athlete
• Carbohydrates carbs provide the primary fuel
  for exercising muscles. It is essential that
  young athletes consume lots of complex
  carbohydrates (i.e. whole grains, fruits, and
  vegetables) on a daily basis. In addition, it is
  important to ensure that young athletes get the
  proper amount of carbohydrates before, during,
  and after exercise to support optimal health and
  performance.

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Pre-Match/Training Nutrition

• Make sure young athlete arrives to
  matches/training well-fed. They should eat a
  well-balanced meal that contains 75-200 grams of
  carbs, 2-4 hours before the training session or
  match. This can be very difficult, especially
  before training. So
• A snack 30 minutes prior to exercise may also be
  beneficial, particularly if an athlete was unable
  to consume an appropriate meal 2-4 hours prior.
• The snack should contain approx. 20-50 grams of
  easily digested carbs.

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During the Match (sideline behavior)
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During the Match (sideline behavior)

• Understand that players are over-stimulated
  during matches. The coach may be giving
  instructions, opponents and teammates are
  talking, the crowd is cheering, and the referee
  is blowing the whistle and speaking to the
  players. To a youth soccer player, the
  atmosphere is much like that of a fighter pilot
  with enemy bogies zipping around.
• Adapted from the AYSO Tools for Parents

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During the Match (sideline behavior)

• 1 Priority
• Set a Good Example of Sportsmanship at all times
• Do not yell instructions to your child (or their
  teammates) during the match- it only adds to the
  confusion. In addition, this oftentimes
  contradicts what the coach has been training the
  players to do.
• Sometimes the best thing parents can do is to be
  quiet or have a chat with another parent while
  watching.
• Cheer and acknowledge good plays by both teams.
• Sit a reasonable distance away from the field,
  players and coaches.

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Remember

• When watching a youth soccer game, if you can't
  carry on a normal conversation with the person
  next to you, then you're probably paying too much
  attention to the game.

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After the match/training

• Three things to say to your athlete after match
  or training You Played HardAre You Hungry?...I
  Love You.
• Congratulate your child and their teammates
  regardless of the outcome.
• Do not analyze the game or your childs
  performance.
• No backyard training following
  matches/training.
• Make sure your child eats properly following the
  activity.

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Recovery Foods (following activity)

• A sample of healthy foods to help athletes
• recover from exercise
• Sports drinks (Gatorade)
• Granola, energy, or breakfast bars
• Bagels with peanut butter
• Sub sandwichs
• Crackers and cheese
• Burritos
• Fresh fruit like apples, bananas, oranges, and
  grapes
• Vegetables such as carrots and celery
• Fruit smoothies
• Rice cakes or trail mix
• Chocolate milk
• Animal crackers

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Recovery Nutrition Quick Tips

• Athletes who fail to refuel and/or rehydrate
  during and after activities will not have the
  optimal level of energy to play at the same
  intensity the next day.
• To help in the recovery process, athletes should
  eat a high-carbohydrate snack within 30 minutes
  after practice or competition, and a healthy meal
  two hours later.
• Carbohydrates are the most efficient source of
  energy for muscles, and they should make up
  approximately 60 of an athletes diet.

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Recovery Nutrition Quick Tips

• Sports drinks are an ideal way for athletes to
  rehydrate during and after exercise.
• Having parents provide snacks and sports drinks
  after the game is an excellent way to help
  athletes recover from exercise.
• Stay away from soft packaged, boxed juice drinks
  and snackie cakes.
• www.gatorade.com

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Keep in mind thevarious Pressures for Players

• Society
• Parents
• Other Clubs
• Environment
• Coachs Ego
• Human Nature
• Own Club
• Most all of these pressures focus on winning
  instead of learning and development!

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Relieving those Pressures

• Praise effort instead of results.
• Always be positive no matter what the outcome.
• Following a match, ask the player how they think
  they did. Allow them to reflect, if they choose
  to do so.
• Look for positives in any situation and focus on
  them.

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Pre-season Preparation for Parents
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Sample Parent Agreement
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• Sample Parent Agreement
• I agree to be on time or early when dropping off
  my child for a training session or game. I
  understand that I am putting my child at physical
  risk by not providing proper time for warm-up. I
  also understand the importance of picking up my
  child on time for all training sessions and
  games. This ultimately shows respect for the
  coaches and entire team.
• I understand the main reasons students
  participate in athletics are to have fun, make
  new friends, and learn new skills. I understand
  the game is for the students, and that I will
  encourage my child to have fun and keep the game
  in the proper perspective. I understand that
  athletes do their best when they are emotionally
  healthy, so I will be positive and supportive at
  all times.
• I understand the teams philosophy on player
  development versus results (winning). I also
  understand that athletes develop in many
  different ways and that the true measure is not
  how my child compares to others but how he/she is
  developing as a person, student, and athlete.
• I understand the importance of setting a good
  example of sportsmanship to my child. I will
  continually show respect for all involved in the
  game including coaches, players, opponents,
  opposing fans, and especially referees.

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• I understand games can be exciting experiences
  for my child who is trying to deal with the
  action of the game, respond to opponents,
  referees, teammates, and coaches. I will not add
  confusion by yelling out instructions. During
  the game, I will limit my comments to encouraging
  my child and other players for both teams.
• I will not make negative comments about the game,
  coaches, referees, or teammates in my childs
  presence. I understand this can negatively
  influence my childs motivation and overall
  experience.
• I agree to honor the Parent Agreement in my words
  and actions.
• Adapted from the AYSO Kids Zone Parent Pledge

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Parental Influence

• Negative Influence
• Too much emphasis on winning
• Shouting instructions during matches
• Marching up and down the field during matches
• Using abusive language
• Inappropriate behavior (standing on touchline,
  spitting, smoking, drinking)
• Making negative comments about opponents,
  teammates, coaches, and others in the presence of
  the player(s).

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Kids Drop Out When

• They are forced to take part
• Pressured from coaches/parents
• Made to feel incompetent
• Bullied by peers and coaches
• Not enough playing time
• They have other interests

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Parents Should Focus on

• Enjoyment
• Development
• Feedback (positive, not critical)
• Respect (for teammates, opponents, coaches,
  officials, etc.)
• Realistic targets/goals
• Nutrition

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A Parents Most Important Job is to

• LOVE THEIR CHILDREN

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Recommended Reading

• Will You Still Love Me If I Dont Win? A Guide
  for Parents of Young Athletes by Christopher and
  Barbara Andersonn
• The Vision of a Champion by Anson Dorrance
• Just Let the Kids Play by Bob Bigelow
• Laws of the Game

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Additional Resources

• United States Youth Soccer Association-
  www.usysa.org
• Positive Coaching Alliance- www.positivecoach.org
• The English Football Association- Psychology for
  Football/Soccer Level I (online course)
  www.thefa.com/falearning
• American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)-
  www.soccer.org
• Gatorade (heat, hydration, and nutrition)
  www.gatorade.com
• www.ucomics.com
• Indiana Youth Soccer Association
• Kentucky Youth Soccer Association

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Special Thanks

• Fran Kulas- Kentucky Youth Soccer Association
• Vince Ganzberg- Indiana Youth Soccer Association

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Questions? Please contact

• Rob Herringer
• State Director of Coaching
• 913-782-6434
• coaching_at_ksysa.org
• www.ksysa.org